For Council / ALMO tenants the HB will be paid by way of a credit directly onto their rent account - referred to as a rent rebate.

For claimants living in a HA property, the HB will normally be paid by a BACs transfer into the claimant's bank account, unless the claimant or their landlord has requested that their HB be paid to the landlord.

For claimants living in a private tenancy, their HB (Local Housing Allowance) is by default paid to them, by a BACs transfer into the claimant's bank account - although it can be paid to the landlord in certain circumstances.

The HB Regulations state that a decision on a new claim should be made within 14 days, or as soon as reasonably practicable, of receiving the claim and all the information and evidence it reasonably requires HB Regulation 93 - meaning a payment should be made shortly after.

A payment cannot usually be made until the claim has been fully assessed, however, where there are delays - depending on the reason for the delay, the HB Office might be able to make a payment on account.

Special rules apply to claimants awaiting the outcome of a Tax Credits claim/change.